Weather in Cancun in August + Events & Things To Do
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Are you planning a trip and wondering about the weather in Cancun in August?
As a long-time resident of Cancun, you’ve come to the right spot!
There’s really no bad time to visit the Yucatan Peninsula. From turquoise blue waters to lush jungle landscapes, and ancient ruins, there’s plenty to do and see any time of year.
However, as you probably already know, there are pros and cons to everything — even in a paradise like Cancun.
Aside from larger summer crowds, hurricane season, and higher humidity, August is still a great month to plan a vacation getaway to the Mexican Caribbean.
Read below to discover everything you need to know to plan the ultimate vacation including travel tips, weather patterns, and recommended local tours and restaurants.
Weather in Cancun In August – At a Glance
You’re probably curious about what the weather is like in Cancun in August. The answer is that it’s a mixed bag! Cancun weather can be hot and sunny one day, or rainy and overcast the next.
Sometimes the weather even changes from hour to hour. Average daily temperatures are typically the highest they are all year, hovering between the high 80s to mid 90s.
Given the region’s tropical climate, it’s difficult to predict the weather in Cancun 100 percent of the time. It’s helpful to keep an eye on the weather for about a week leading up to your scheduled trip, especially during the hurricane season.
However, don’t base your decision to travel to Cancun solely on the weather. It can go from sunny to overcast, and dry to rainy in a matter of hours, but rarely gets
What’s the average temperature in Cancun in August?
The average high temperature in Cancun in August is 91 degrees, while the average low temperature is 80 degrees.
The hottest period of the year is late spring to early fall (the hurricane season), and the coolest period of the year is winter (December to March).
In short, August is the hottest month of the year for Cancun. You might get some relief from the heat and humidity the last two weeks of the month. Otherwise, prepare to be covered in sweat in the first half of August.
Does it rain in Cancun in August?
Rain is likely a topic that crosses your mind when planning a trip to the Caribbean.
The bad news is that due to Cancun’s subtropical climate and location on the Caribbean Sea, it’s very prone to light rain showers or surprise bursts of cloud cover and heavy rain.
The good news is that it rarely storms bad enough to cause concern.
The rainy season in Cancun is from May to October, which is nearly the entire duration of the Atlantic Hurricane season.
The average rainfall in August is 85mm with 21.3 total days of rain, making it the third wettest month of the year.
☂️ Does it rain all day in Cancun in August?
The short answer is no. Even though August is one of the wettest months of the year for Cancun, it will rarely rain all day with no periods of sunshine in between.
Now, if you do get some rain during your Cancun vacation – and you likely will – don’t worry. Rain storms typically pass quickly.
If for some reason it doesn’t, there are plenty of fun indoor activities you can enjoy until it does. Plus, watching and listening to a mild thunderstorm or rain shower from the comfort of your resort can be pretty relaxing!
☂️ Best things to do in Cancun when it rains
Cancun is home to tons of boutique shops and shopping malls including the Las Isla Paradise Experience, the Puerto Cancun Marina Town Center, and the Las Plazas Outlet Cancun.
Many of these shopping malls offer affordable deals, upscale retailers, movie theaters, and restaurants. The outlet mall is even home to a movie theater and a casino!
If you’re a history buff, perhaps a museum is more your forté. There are plenty of museums located in and around Cancun that are perfect for solo travelers and families alike.
If you’re traveling with kids, the Cancun Wax Museum or the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! are great options.
For solo travelers or couples, the Museo Hacienda Tequila and the Mayan Museum of Cancun are both educational and fun. And yes, you can actually taste mezcal and tequila varieties at the tequila museum!
Is it hot in Cancun in August?
Cancun is hot year-round, so it may come as no surprise that it is hot in August too! In fact, it’s one of the hottest months of the year.
You may get some slight relief at night after the sun goes down (not much, however), after a rainstorm, or if you visit during the winter months.
If you’re wondering if the temperatures might be too hot for you in August, it’s difficult to say since this is based on personal limits and preferences.
If you’re someone who is very sensitive to heat and humidity, it might be best to visit during a cooler month or fill your itinerary with indoor activities.
Still, regardless of when you visit Cancun, be prepared to sweat just a little if you plan to spend time outdoors.
Is it very humid in Cancun in August?
It’s nearly impossible to outrun the humidity no matter what time of year you visit. Due to its vast jungle landscape and location on the water, it’s the perfect storm for high levels of humidity.
The average relative humidity in Cancun in August is between 70 and 90 percent. This means that it will feel even hotter than the actual air temperature.
Because of this, it’s important to wear plenty of sunscreen, seek shade when you need it, and stay hydrated by bringing a reusable water bottle.
Thankfully, you can usually find a nice cool breeze the closer to the coastline you get, and sometimes there is a nice breeze at night after the sun goes down.
Are there hurricanes in Cancun in August?
There’s always a chance of experiencing a hurricane in the Caribbean during the Atlantic hurricane season.
Some regions in the Caribbean have a higher likelihood of a hurricane making landfall, but thankfully, Cancun is not one of them.
In fact, only two hurricanes have made landfall in Cancun in nearly 40 years.
The first was Hurricane Gilbert in 1998, and the second was Hurricane Wilma in 2005. Although both storms caused some serious structural damage and flooding, Cancun has since built numerous storm shelters within hotels and resorts along the Hotel Zone.
In fact, most properties have some sort of shelter in place in the rare event a hurricane makes landfall unexpectedly.
🌀 When is Hurricane Season in Cancun?
Known as the Atlantic Hurricane Season, its official period runs from June 1 to November 30. This doesn’t mean that hurricanes make landfall every month of this period, however.
The months with the highest likelihood of a hurricane forming are actually August, September, and October.
Even still, hurricanes in Cancun are very still something to be mindful of when planning your vacation. Meteorologists can typically predict a hurricane making landfall 3 to 5 days in advance.
Monitor local weather patterns about a week or so before your trip, but don’t base your entire decision on going to Cancun on the chance of a hurricane.
🌀 Is Cancun safe during hurricane season?
Yes, Cancun is absolutely safe during the hurricane season. Because of the peninsula that protects the region surrounding Cancun, it’s actually very rare that a hurricane of any form makes landfall.
Scientifically, only the eye of the hurricane (the area close to the center of the storm) can do the most damage. Therefore, if it doesn’t make landfall, the level of damage and danger factors are far less severe.
Sea water temperature in Cancun in August
The Caribbean Sea is warm year-round, making it a prime spot to enjoy water activities and beach days.
The average water temperature in Cancun in August is 85 degrees Fahrenheit, which is above standard sea temperatures of 77 degrees Fahrenheit and 84 degrees Fahrenheit.
🌊 How warm is the water in Cancun in August?
The water is the warmest between July and October, meaning August brings some of the warmest water temperatures of the year.
It’s one of the best months for swimming, snorkeling, and diving without the need for a wetsuit or much discomfort.
🌊 Sea visibility in Cancun in August
Sea visibility lessens during the hurricane season as frequent rain and less sunlight can stir up particles in the ocean.
If you’re a diver, especially a deep sea diver, the dullness of the water could hinder your ability to see clearly.
During the summer months, there’s usually less than a 30 percent possibility of sunlight during the day which lowers sea visibility, even in shallow waters and coral reefs.
If you happen to snorkel or dive on a clear and sunny day (which August will still have some of!), the water visibility should be perfect for viewing wildlife.
You can get up close and personal with turtles, sting rays, different species of fish, and even whale sharks if it’s the right time of year.
Sargassum Seaweed In Cancun in August
Unfortunately, during the summer months of July and August, sargassum levels are at their peak. The seaweed washes up on the shores in piles on many beaches throughout the Yucatan Peninsula.
Marine biologists don’t know exactly where it comes from or why it’s become a problem in recent years.
However, what they do know is that it decomposes in the sun and heat once it reaches the shore and causes an unpleasant sight and a foul smell.
There is no foolproof method to prevent the sargassum from washing up on the shores. What you can do is look for hotels and resorts that have a system for removing the seaweed from their property’s beaches, or research which beaches in the region might experience fewer levels.
If all else fails, you can always just enjoy a nice swimming pool at your hotel or Airbnb property to beat the heat.
Events in Cancun in August
There is always something fun to experience in Cancun no matter the time of year. August welcomes a few different must-see cultural events that are detailed below:
✞ The Assumption of the Virgin Mary
Celebrated on August 15th, the Assumption of the Virgin Mary or the “Feast of Assumption” is a Catholic holiday and feast held in churches throughout Mexico.
The holiday celebrates Jesus’s mother Mary’s arrival in heaven. Those who celebrate it believe that after Mary died, her body reunited with her soul rather than going through the normal process of decomposition.
Many towns and cities throughout Mexico hold processions and parades and decorate churches and statues in her image with flowers and banners.
The holiday is a religious observance and not a public holiday, so many businesses still operate as usual.
🕺🏼 ZoukMX
If you’re looking to party during your vacation to Cancun, you’ll want to attend the ZoukMX in Playa del Carmen.
This 30-day Caribbean music festival is one of the biggest and longest celebrations in the Cancun area. It includes everything from workshops and dance lessons to concerts and of course, a lot of parties.
Professional Zouk dancers descend on the Yucatan Peninsula to teach classes, workout sessions, and parties with DJs. It’s the only event like it in North America!
Pros of Visiting Cancun in August
👍🏼 Two words: whale sharks! August is the peak season for whale shark migratory patterns, so the likelihood of getting up close and personal with them during a guided tour is much higher.
👍🏼 Even though it’s hurricane season, the likelihood of the eye of a hurricane making landfall is very rare. Aside from some daily showers, you should still enjoy plenty of sunny and warm days which will be perfect for exploring.
👍🏼 The water temperature is at its warmest all year making it a prime time to enjoy swimming, snorkeling, boating, and diving without being uncomfortable.
Cons of Visiting Cancun in August
👎🏼 Even though the summer months are considered the low season, prices for hotels and resorts are still high-end. This is because children are still out of school for the summer break, and many families naturally choose Cancun as their vacation destination.
👎🏼 School is still out for the summer and families from the U.S., Europe, and South America choose Cancun as their vacation destination. This not only drives up prices due to supply and demand but makes for more crowded beaches and popular attraction sites.
👎🏼 If you’re someone who is sensitive to heat and humidity, August may not be the best time to visit Cancun. If you’re up for braving the sticky heat, you will definitely want to stay hydrated and spend equal time outdoors and indoors in air conditioning.
👎🏼 Sargassum seaweed. July and August are two of the worst months for the levels of seaweed that wash up on some of the beaches in the Yucatan Peninsula. While the seaweed itself isn’t a huge danger to humans, it looks awful and smells even worse. If you want to avoid it as much as possible, check with your hotel or resort to see which beaches are less prone to it. If you plan to spend a lot of time at your resort, ask if they take measures to clean up the beaches on their properties.
Things to Do in Cancun in August
👉🏼 Swim with whale sharks
Whale sharks thrive in warm, tropical waters pretty much anywhere in the world. But the best time to see them depends on where in the world you’re going and what time of year you go.
In Cancun, the height of the whale shark season is June to September, with the best months to see them being July and August.
The best way to experience the biggest fish in the sea is to book a professionally guided tour. There are plenty of tours offered out of Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, Cancun, Cozumel, Tulum, and Isla Mujeres.
These tours give you an opportunity to safely interact with these majestic animals in their natural habitats during a half or full-day snorkeling tour.
👉🏼 Visit Chichen Itza
It’s not a trip to Cancun without a trip to Chichen Itza. These ancient Mayan ruins are among the most popular (if not the most popular) landmarks in Mexico.
This incredible archaeological site is a must-see and makes the perfect half or full-day trip from Cancun. It’s best to get there early in the morning as it can get very crowded, especially during the summer months.
You can take a rental car and explore the site on your own time, or book a guided tour. Exploring on your own is great if you’re short on time, but the guided tours really provide more insight into the role this pre-Columbian city played in Mayan Civilization.
👉🏼 Go on a day trip to Tulum
Going on a day trip from Cancun to Tulum is one of the most popular activities among tourists.
A two-hour drive straight down the Mexican Federal Highway and you’ll find yourself in close proximity to dozens of beautiful cenotes, stunning beaches, and some of the best restaurants in the region.
A few of the most popular places to kick back and unwind include Akumal Beach, Playa Paraíso, Gran Cenote, and Cenote Calavera.
👉🏼 Try some of the great restaurants
Cancun is truly a foodie’s paradise. Due to the blend of cultures in the city, the cuisines available at its many bars and restaurants extend far beyond just Mexican food (though you can find plenty of that, too, of course!)
From tamales and chilaquiles to the freshest shrimp ceviche, the Cancun food scene is exploding with unforgettable dining experiences.
Aside from authentic Mexican food, you can also find many restaurants that serve Italian cuisine, Mediterranean cuisine, Indian cuisine, and Japanese cuisine. Both downtown Cancun and the hotel zone boast an incredible variety of cuisine.
Many four and five-star hotels and resorts in Cancun also regularly host Michelin and top-rated chefs for special dinners, live cooking shows, and seasonal residencies.
👉🏼 Go Snorkeling
Cancun is home to some of the best snorkeling spots in the world.
From the ocean to freshwater cenotes, there are endless opportunities to explore coral reefs, underwater caves, mangrove canals, and hidden passageways.
The water temperature in August also makes snorkeling extremely enjoyable. Many species of wildlife make their homes in the Caribbean Sea or migrate through these waters, which makes August a great month to set your sights on them.
Best Tours in Cancun in August
🦈 Swim with whale sharks
5 ⭐️ 589 Reviews
On this seven-hour small-group adventure, you’ll get picked up from Playa del Carmen, Cancun, or Tulum hotel.
You’ll board a boat and head out to the waters surrounding Isla Contoy, Holbox, and Isla Mujeres to search for whale sharks.
When you spot one, you’ll be given snorkel gear and a short safety instruction before jumping in at least two times.
After your swim, you’ll enjoy some time on Playa Norte to swim before enjoying a delicious lunch of traditional Mexican dishes and being dropped off back at your hotel.
Amazing trip! Alex our guide was wonderful. Got to swim with many whale sharks. All the staff were great and pickup was on time, quick and smooth. I will be back!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Darlene_s, Sep 2022
🛕 Chichen Itza Tour
5 ⭐️ 10,357 Reviews
This is the ultimate all-in-one-day tour! Start the day with a pick-up from your hotel in Cancun or the Riviera Maya.
First, you’ll head to one of the most important Mayan sites in the world: Chichen Itza. You’ll explore the pyramid of Kukulcan (El Castillo) before heading to the ancient cenote of Saamal.
You’ll refuel with a delicious buffet lunch before taking a stroll around the colorful colonial city of Valladolid.
The whole trip was very good. The tour guides were excellent, professional and took care of everything.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ramprasad_K, Mar 2023
🏢 Tulum Combo Tour
5 ⭐️ 2,652 Reviews
This Tulum day tour begins at the dramatic ancient backdrop of the Tulum Archeological Site. You’ll learn about the ruins and have plenty of free time to explore on your own and take photos.
The second stop includes a Mayan Beach where you will board a boat to head to the reefs. You’ll have over an hour to snorkel the underwater world of the Mexican Caribbean and search for unique wildlife.
The last stop of the tour will lead you to journey deep into the rainforest to relax in Xtun Cavernas. Here, you’ll swim and snorkel in crystal clear as you’re surrounded by thousands of spectacular stalagmites and stalactites.
Nadia, our guide, was so nice. Made the experience that much better. Had a really great time. Definitely recommend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ HollyAnn_l, Mar 2023
🛶 Isla Mujeres Sailing Tour
4,5 ⭐️ 1,936 Reviews
On this six-hour small-group catamaran excursion, you’ll sail along the stunning waters of Cancun’s Caribbean coastline to Islas Mujeres.
With provided gear, you’ll enjoy a couple of hours of snorkeling before you get back on the catamaran to enjoy an open bar and a gourmet lunch.
You will stop to explore Isla Mujeres and can choose between a guided or self-guided tour. On the way back to port in Cancun, you’ll sip on complimentary beverages before debarking the boat for complimentary transportation back to your hotel.
Staff were amazing and went above all expectations to make sure this would be an epic adventure! Thank you!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Fredrik_h, Feb 2023
🏍 ATV Tour
4,5 ⭐️ 1,465 Reviews
This thrilling adventure tour combines a zipline course through the jungle, an off-road ATV ride, and a refreshing cenote swim all in one day.
The small-group tour from Cancun will take you to Extreme Adventure Eco Park where you’ll soar through the trees on a series of ziplines, cross-hanging bridges, and a forest canopy.
Afterward, you’ll hop aboard a Honda 220cc ATV through rugged jungle trails and forests. The final stop of the day is a freshwater cenote where you’ll zipline, cliff-jump, or take the stairs into a relaxing underground limestone cave system.
You’ll refuel with a light snack before the complimentary transportation back to your hotel.
The whole experience was incredible! Staff was friendly & courteous ! The bathroom facilities were extremely clean & the food was delicious! I would recommend this place to everyone!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Debra_p, FEb 2023
► Read more about the best ATV tours in Cancun
Tips For Visiting Cancun in August
📌 Pack comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, glasses, lightweight clothing, breathable tops and bottoms, and plenty of beach wear!
📌 Mosquitos can be thick in certain terrains throughout the Yucatan Peninsula, so it’s best to bring insect repellent and reapply it before heading outdoors. Remember to wash it off before swimming in the ocean or in a cenote.
Keep mosquitos away!
OFF! Botanicals Deet-Free Insect Repellent, Plant-Based Bug Spray & Mosquito Repellent, 4 oz
6885 4.5-⭐️ Reviews
📌 Bring a small amount of local money in cash (Mexican Pesos) with you. A good rule of thumb to follow is to bring 25 percent of the total cost of your trip in cash.
📌 It’s best to get the cash from your local bank prior to your vacation, or at a verified ATM in a tourist area once in Cancun.
📌 Only drink bottled water! The tap water in Cancun is not safe to drink and could make you very sick if ingested. Also, be careful of how vegetables and fruit are washed and whether or not the skin is still on raw fruits.
📌 Purchase travel insurance prior to leaving for your Cancun vacation. You never know what could happen, so it’s nice to have extra peace of mind knowing that certain incidents will be covered.
Get your free quote here 👇🏼
Weather in Cancun in August: Frequently Asked Questions
Is August a good time to visit Cancun?
Some people might agree that August isn’t the best time to visit Cancun. This is due in large part to the humidity, the crowds, and the hotel and restaurant prices.
However, these things don’t guarantee you will have a bad time if you go to Cancun in August. There’s always plenty to do and see, and there are many affordable options if you’re on a budget.
How hot is Cancun in August?
The average temperature in Cancun in August is 90 degrees. This means some days might be slightly cooler, and others may be even hotter!
High temperatures paired with high humidity can sometimes make being outside unbearable in August, especially if you’re sensitive to heat.
If you’re going to spend a lot of time outside, it’s important to stay hydrated and dress light and comfortably to not overheat or get dehydrated. Make sure to plan days where you do water activities to cool off.
What is the best time of year to go to Cancun?
Many people claim that the months of January to April are the best to visit Cancun due to more tolerable temperatures and less rain.
However, whenever you decide is best to go should be completely based on personal preference!
There’s really no bad time to visit Cancun, it all depends on the type of vacation you want to have and what your limitations and interests are.
How are the beaches in Cancun in August?
Regardless of the sargassum seaweed that washes up on the shoreline, the beaches in Cancun are still some of the most beautiful in the entire world.
From Tulum and Playa del Carmen to the dozens of beaches that surround Cancun, there are endless opportunities to put your toes in the sand.
Some of the best beaches to visit in August include Playa Gaviota Azul, Playa Chacmool, and Playa San Miguelito. All of these beaches boast absolutely vibrant blue waters, soft white sand, and fewer crowds.
Is Cancun worth visiting?
As one of the most beautiful and sought-after destinations in the world, Cancun is definitely worth visiting at least once in your lifetime.
You’ll enjoy the beautiful weather of the Caribbean, world-class all-inclusive resorts, global cuisine, and thriving nightlife.
The best part is that Cancun can be enjoyed by visitors on any budget. There are plenty of affordable options for lodging, local tours, and dining experiences, so it really is an inclusive destination!
Is Cancun safe for tourists?
Overall, yes, Cancun is a safe place for tourists. As with any destination, you have to be mindful of your surroundings and not call attention to yourself.
Practice the buddy system especially if you’ll be out late, and avoid neighborhoods outside of the tourist areas and Hotel Zone unless with a local guide or a group.
Follow basic safety rules and use common sense and you should have a great vacation in Cancun.
What is the rainiest month in Cancun?
August sees about 21.7 days of total rain for the month of August. While this may seem like a lot, most of the rain that Cancun sees comes in small bursts and random afternoon showers.
It rarely rains or storms all day without some periods of sunshine. Believe it or not, the rainiest month of the year in Cancun is actually September with an average rainfall of 270mm.
About the Author
Hey there! This is Isabella, the owner, and writer of this site. I have been living in Cancun for the past 12 years and although I have been roaming around Mexico, Cancun’s spectacular turquoise waters and pristine beach draw me back to this popular Mexican beach destination. That is why I decided to start this blog, to show you all the beauty you can find in Cancun and share helpful travel tips to help you plan a fabulous vacation in Cancun!
